Sewing my clothes

amarillo_2004 · 30 May 2005 at 7:45PM

Hi all,

I posted here a month or so back when i was trawling the charity shops for a new suit for a job interview. Wasn't having much luck and was low when i posted - you cheered me up, sent me back out there and I got a great suit (and landed the job!!).

Now I need a stunning dress for a friend's wedding in July. You've seen the barclaycard advert: I am that girl. Yes, the ex boyfriend will be there and he'll have the reason he's my ex on his arm.

Not finding what I want in the charitry shops, and really don't want to find my credit card solving the problem. I can dressmake (at least I used to be able to) and that feels like a good MSE approach. I was thinking long, floaty, sexy (but not too...), pretty. Are there any online sites with patterns like that for free? The only pattern selling place locally is John Lewis, and that's steep. I can buiy material from a sari shop in an Indian neighbourhood, and borrow my mum's never used sewing machine.

Are there costs I've overlooked?

Do you have tips?

Am I going to end up looking like Worzel Gummidge?

Katgoddess · 30 May 2005 at 7:50PM

I know nothing about sewing, so I can only say good luck! :beer:

Claire's Accessories are good for cheap bits and pieces to compliment your outfit.

Queenie · 30 May 2005 at 9:08PM

amarillo_2004 wrote:

.... you cheered me up, sent me back out there and I got a great suit (and landed the job!!).

Now I need a stunning dress for a friend's wedding in July. ...
Are there costs I've overlooked?
Do you have tips?
Am I going to end up looking like Worzel Gummidge?

Firstly ....

:j Congrats on the job!!! :T

There is little in the way of online "freebies" when it comes to what you describe

BUT .. (can you see a ray of hope, here?)

.........

... check your Yellow Pages for shops which sell fabric/haberdashery ... then go scouting!
Our local haberdashery/craft/do all/fabric/job lot shop often has a tray of assorted patterns which they sell off for something like £1 a go!

Now, the thing is, these patterns could be *anything*! They may be suits, craft, household, childrens, mens, dresses blah blah blah and very much pot luck! However, with a touch of patience and a keen eye, you may spot two patterns; one where the pattern has a top half that you like, and another which may have a "bottom" half you like ... if you're really lucky, you'll strike rich by finding just one that fits the bill

Alternatively ... and this is top secret :shhh: .... go to all the shops in your area; find a style of dress you simply *adore* and is *perfect* ... buy it (hang on! You're not *keeping* it!

)

You now have 2 choices:
1) Wear it for the wedding ... then return it, stating it wasn't quite right and hope that you get your money back (cheeky! but may work as a one off)
2) (this tickled me when my dsis told me!) ... when you get it home, make your own "pattern" from it using greaseproof paper! Return it (as above) and then buy your own fabric and make it really uniquely yours.

You could of course do the same with a charity shop find (#2 option above)

There are shops in existance which sell clothes (slightly more pricey than charity shops) which they sell on behalf of your every day Doris Smith which can often turn up something rather classy, yet still cheap at half the price

(Yellow Pages for those too)

Equally, you could ask around your friends and see what they have which you may "borrow" to make a unique statement. (I was married in a combination of 2 friends outfits ... both offered me something to wear and I didn't want to hurt either of them; so I combined both LOL )

Hankerchief hems and tiered skirts appear to be *in* this season, so bear that in mind when making your choices.

Finally - NO!!! You will *not* look like WG!! Unless you decide to put a carrot on the end of your nose and wear sticky-out straw under your hat

(each to his own I say

)

pavlovs_dog · 30 May 2005 at 10:27PM

also, im sure if you scout around your local charity shop/cheapy book shop (booksale etc) they may have a book with a design thats perfect for you

also, dont forget ebay for rare treasures/cheapy accessories

catznine · 31 May 2005 at 12:53AM

My student daughters friend made a lovely dress for the final year's ball from a sari she bought. The dress was very simple (I think that is the secret to success) choose a simple pattern and use stunning material, simple v neck dress with splits each side but beautiful material. With the amount of material in a sari you should have enough for a shawl as well.

chucklingbunny · 31 May 2005 at 10:05PM

I have the freebie pattern that was with the Christmas Prima mag - it's a pretty little floaty number in sizes 10-20. I haven't used the pattern and would be happy to stick it in an envelope and mail it to you if you pm me your address.

Sarahsaver · 31 May 2005 at 10:24PM

Why don't you wear a sari or a punjabi suit?
i got a great wraparound dress pattern - think it was from essentials. Flattering to nearly everyone.

xxbutterflygirlxx · 14 June 2005 at 1:10AM

Sorry to butt in so late on this one (been offline for TOO long!) - sewingpatterns.com is supposed to be brilliant and WAY cheaper than over here (it is a US site), patterns from about 50p. They sell all the ones you get here too so you can browse the pattern books in your local store and then order online. I haven't used them yet as I tend to use the ones from Prima but I definitely will when I need one.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Sewing my clothes

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